This is the longer, fuller version of our reverse-sequenced Coast to Crater route — genuine time on Zanzibar first to ease into the trip, then the complete northern circuit through Tarangire, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater as an extended, active finale.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Zanzibar’s airport, transferring to your beach resort to begin unwinding after the long-haul flight.
Arrive Zanzibar
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeZanzibar Bay Resort
LuxuryBaraza Resort & Spa
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
A free day to recover from travel on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A guided walking tour of Stone Town’s markets and historic architecture.
Stone Town Cultural Tour
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A further relaxed beach day before the safari leg begins.
Second Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A flight from Zanzibar via Kilimanjaro or Arusha, then a drive to Tarangire, with an afternoon game drive.
Fly to Tarangire National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeTarangire River Camp
LuxuryOliver’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A full day exploring Tarangire’s riverine landscape and baobab-studded plains.
Full Day Tarangire Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A drive to the Serengeti’s endless plains via the Ngorongoro highlands.
Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A further day exploring different sectors of the park.
Second Serengeti Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
A drive to the crater rim via the Serengeti’s southern plains.
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNgorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryNgorongoro Crater Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A full day descended onto the crater floor among lion, elephant and black rhino — a dramatic climax to close the trip.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
A transfer to Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Tarangire & Serengeti park entry | ~$60–$82 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent |
| Domestic flight, Zanzibar to Tarangire area | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want the full three-park northern circuit but prefer to ease into the trip on a beach before the more active safari days.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Stone Town guided tour
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & crater descent fees
Tour Excludes
- Domestic flight, Zanzibar to Tarangire area
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance